Do you know what's in your tires?

Your guess is right, tires are made of Rubber, but in the name of safety, durability and performance, there are many more tire ingredients used in the production process. On average, a modern tire on a passenger car will contain up to 25 components and as many as 12 different rubber compounds.

With today’s technology, manufacturers are utilizing a remarkable array of materials to create tires.

TIRE RUBBER

In tire manufacturing, there are usually four main types of rubber used. The most common form is natural rubber, which is the latex sap found in the bark of the rubber tree.
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The other three are synthetically formed rubbers that include:

• Styrene-butadiene rubber
• Polybutadiene rubber
• Butyl rubber

These synthetic rubbers are typically produced using polymers found in crude oil. However, in recent years, manufacturers have turned to plant-based oils and other natural tire ingredients to impart enhanced performance qualities, reduce their carbon footprint, and increase sustainability.

Some of the alternative oils currently used in tire manufacturing include:

• Canola oil
• Sunflower oil
• Orange Oil
• Guayule (a type of desert shrub)

TIRE FILLERS

The majority of tire manufacturers today use either carbon black or silica (or a combination thereof) as reinforcing fillers when formulating tire compounds. They’re useful because they enhance tire grip, resist punctures and give tires lower rolling resistance.
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Carbon black and silica are also available in different forms, and each one influences a tire’s handling characteristics in different ways. This is handy for researchers who are constantly looking for the right combination to achieve optimal performance for different driving styles, vehicle types and road conditions.

Silica is that they’re expensive to produce. As a result, researchers are now experimenting with cellulose fibres, oils and other plant materials as alternative fillers that provide value without sacrificing performance.

Some of these potential tire ingredients might surprise you:

• Cornstarch
• Dandelions
• Walnut shells
• Wood pulp

​WHAT’S THE RIGHT TIRE FOR MY DRIVING STYLE?

Comfort? Performance? Handling in weather conditions? This will help us narrow down our search for passenger or light truck tires, there are lots of great options on the market.

Are you a highway driver? Long trips call for a tire that is rated with a strong mileage guarantee. You’ll also appreciate a smooth, quieter ride considering the amount of time you spend on the road. 

City Commuter?You need a tire that offers good year-round traction in all conditions. It may not require a high mileage rating because you’ll probably get a good life out of your set.

WE TAKE PRIDE IN OFFERING PERSONAL SERVICE!

Off-roader? Fun! You recreate by driving in mud, snow or sand. You need bigger tires with an aggressive lug to plow through the conditions. Mileage rating isn’t a concern. We have just the ticket. 

Eco-enthusiast? You’ll want to lower your rolling resistance and select a tire designed to maximize fuel efficiency, helping to reduce your emissions. Many manufacturers are also using eco-friendly processes to reduce environmental impact. Consider Bridgestone’s Ecopia, Nokian’s eNTYRE and Continental Contact’s ProContact with EcoPlus technology.

Do you drive a performance vehicle? Nice ride, we bet you’ll want a performance tire to enjoy the best your vehicle has to offer. ​

We have the right tire for your driving needs

Canadian drivers face unique driving conditions and challenges on a day to day basis. These unique driving characteristics require individual design changes for these conditions. National Tire Wholesale has a tire for your every driving need!

Make sure to call us ahead to book your appointment  604.294.3788. ​
At NTW, we are actively following the guidance and safety recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Therefore we are taking precautions when handling your car for everyone's wellbeing.

Bring your car to National Tire Wholesale. Our technicians only recommend maintenance and repairs to keep you and your car safe.

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